Dream CXXI

It was the far future, a time of vast galactic empires and federations in uneasy alliance.  I and a group of scientists found that there was a layer of dark energy beneath all matter throughout the universe.  It was possible to consume this energy, thus destroying the associated matter completely.  We were worried that one of the hostile empires would discover this and use it to enslave the rest of the galaxy.

One such hostile empire, an organic-machine collective similar to the Borg, did discover this energy and began to destroy vast swaths of existence.  We worked frantically to find a counter-measure, and discovered that the release of the dark energy created an even deeper level of white energy, that would be able to recreate the universe after its ultimate destruction.

Since so much of the cosmos had been destroyed, we did not know how to proceed.  Ultimately, we decided that the destruction of the universe would allow us to recreate it in a more controlled fashion, so that threats like the man-machine culture could never arise.  We made plans so that the final control would be in our hands.

The man-machine culture knew we had plans, but could not discover them.  Whole species were brutally tortured to extinction to try and extract our information, and our resolve would waver, but we kept firm.  Before the final moment came, we retired to suspended animation chambers to await the new world.

Several centuries later, I awoke into a twilight world of vast, labyrinthine cities.  The people were friendly and cultured, saying that they knew I would be awakening soon.  I was welcomed and set out to explore the new world.  I was puzzled by a great many customs and felt confused most of the time.

On occasion, a great brick hill would bulge suddenly and explode, sending out giant stone robots that started smashing nearby buildings until they were subdued.  It turned out that these explosions were the sign that more of the suspended animation chambers were reviving their occupants.  I met some of my fellow scientists and tried to help them navigate the new world, but my own confusion probably did not help.

I met my friend Tom shortly afterward, and he explained many of the features that had so puzzled me.  I told him I thought there should be an education committee, so that the newly awakened sleepers could be instructed in the ways of the new world.  Tom said, "Well, actually, that's my job; I'm in charge of that."

I said nothing, but wondered why he wasn't doing it.